The Consulate General of Japan, in partnership with the Alliance Francaise de Miami invite you to experience Japanese culture at the Alliance Francaise de Miami from May 11th to May 16th.

WHAT: Experience Japanese culture at JAPAN CULTURE WEEK, to be held at the Alliance Francaise de Miami on May 11th – 16th, 2009. The Consulate General of Japan, in partnership with the Alliance Francaise de Miami, organized this week-long celebration to share Japan’s traditional and contemporary culture with the South Florida community. Activities and exhibitions will highlight the best in Japanese art, music, photography, dance, fashion, martial arts, anime, robot technology, and cuisine.

WHEN: May 11th – 16th, 2009 JAPAN CULTURE WEEK is FREE and open to the public.

WHERE: The Alliance Francaise de Miami 618 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL. 33130 (305) 859-8760

CONTACT: Natali Garcia-Diaz Philippe Timon info@cgjmia.org / (305) 530-9090 ext. 142 ptimon@afmiami.org / (305) 859-8760

JAPAN CULTURE WEEK visitors will enjoy a variety of musical performances, film screenings, martial arts demonstrations, art displays, ikebana flower-arrangement workshops, video game competitions, cultural lectures and more. Discover Japanese crafts such as calligraphy, block origami, and candy art. Feel the sound and power of taiko drums. Learn the history of Kaiju figures and Zen Buddhism. Explore the world of pop Japanese fashion and cosplay through fabulous modern kimono and costume shows.

During JAPAN CULTURE WEEK, chefs will compete for the honor of Florida’s top sushi chef live on stage in the SushiMasters Florida Regional Competition. Attendees of this competition can sample delicious Japanese and Asian-fusion delicacies.

Also, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will host an evening full of wonderful activities designed with the museum in mind. Visitors will witness a special tea ceremony presentation and are invited to participate in an exclusive raffle and receive coupons for discounts in admission – courtesy of the Morikami Museum.

For more information about JAPAN CULTURE WEEK and a complete schedule of activities, please contact (305) 530-9090 or visit http://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JapanWeek09.html